Many of you may still be able to score a hundred bucks just for getting your first COVID shot in Louisiana. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

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Louisiana is beginning to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to improve water systems in small towns and rural parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Louisiana’s Shot for $100 program is continuing through the end of December with more than 34-thousand 100-dollar debit cards distributed so far to those receiving their initial COVID-19 vaccination. Sheree Taillon heads up the program and says college students are rolling up their sleeves in fear of classes being canceled if they don’t.

Cut 3 (10) “…climbed very quickly.”

The new Omicron variant of COVID is also expected to increase the response to the Shot for $100 program.

Taillon says the Louisiana Department of Health has partnered with an independent pharmacy group to expand the Shot for 100 program in harder-to-reach areas.

Cut 4 (08) “…the vaccination program.”

College students will be eligible for the Shot for $100 program and one debit card whether it’s their first or second shot.

Cut 5 (08) “…for one card.”

The deadline for college students is still December 10^th, not through the rest of the month as it is for the general public.

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With oil prices dropping of late, Louisiana drivers and others nationwide are hoping that’ll mean a drop in gasoline prices, sooner rather than later. Triple A’s Nick Chabarria says it usually takes a while for the transition to lower prices to show up at the pump.

 Cut 6 (07) “..pump as well.” 

The statewide average price of regular stands at three-10 a gallon in Louisiana, down two cents from a week ago. The barrel price of oil has dropped almost 15-dollars from a week ago.

Chabarria says despite the price drop for a barrel of crude, he says it’s a little difficult to tell how much savings you’ll realize and when you gas up your vehicle.

Cut 7 (10) “…savings for drivers.”  

Chabarria is optimistic that gas prices will continue slowly dropping as the price of oil declines.

Cut 8 (07) “…at the pump.”

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A Legislative Budget Committee has approved the spending of 23-million dollars in federal money that will be used to modernize very old water and sewerage systems in small towns and rural parishes. House Appropriations Chair Jerome Zeringue says this round of money will fund 29 projects, but there’s more work to be done…

Cut 9 (08) “…those projects.”

Zeringue says they currently have about 300-million dollars to spend on improving water and sewerage systems that are about 100 years old.  He says they plan to approve more projects for funding early next year…

Cut 10 (11)  “…that’s available”

Local governments must apply for the funding and they need to show a need for upgrading their water systems. Zeringue says the dollars to pay for these projects is the result of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021…

Cut  11 (12)  “..maintain it.”  

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Thanksgiving Weekend state police responded to 15 fatal crashes. Troop C’s area alone in southeast Louisiana, last month there were 13 deaths from fatal crashes. So, they are working with several agencies like Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre in hopes of curbing impaired driving.

Cut 12 (09) “…commit a murder”  

Webre, along with other law enforcement officers, says they can’t do it alone, they need the public to contact them when they see an impaired driver behind the wheel.

Cut 13 (07) “…to intervene.”

Troopers say more than half of fatal crashes involve impaired drivers and distracted driving from things like cell phones is responsible for a growing number also.

Troop C Commander Lanny Bergeron says you’ll see an increased presence of law enforcement in the area in hopes of reducing the recent increase of fatal crashes.

Cut 14 (08) “…to combat.” 

Webre says the pandemic along with residents coping with the difficulties from Hurricane Ida have resulted in many turning to alcohol and drugs to manage their stress. They also want to find ways to help individuals with addiction.

It’s Cyber Monday but before you click on that too good to be true sale, Brooke Thorington has some tips on avoiding a scam.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The figures are in and this year’s Small Business Saturday was an apparent record-setter. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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Today is the deadline to register for FEMA disaster relief if your main home suffered damage during Hurricane Ida. Nathan Custer with the agency says that damage can range from the minor to the catastrophic, but if you haven’t registered with FEMA for assistance, you only have hours left to do so:

Cut 3 (07) “…hear from you.”

To register, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov on the web.

Custer says there is no dollar threshold on the amount of damage you can seek help for.

Cut 4 (11) “…to the catastrophic.”

The assistance doled out by FEMA is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Custer says more than a half-million property owners have registered with FEMA since Ida hit and at least one-point-six-billion-dollars in assistance has been paid out by the agency:

Cut 5 (08) “..in late August.”

To register with FEMA for assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

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News of the Omicron variant of COVID has health experts concerned as a number of countries have reported cases of the new variant, including Canada. Governor John Bel Edwards is also mindful of Omicron and says unfortunately it’s par for the course.

 Cut 6 (10) “…more variants” 

Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are now experiencing a surge in the Delta variant, similar to the one Louisiana had over the summer. Edwards says it’s another reminder the pandemic is far from over and everyone needs to help slow transmission.

Cut 7 (10) “…global pandemic.”  

Currently, 49-percent of Louisiana’s population is fully vaccinated, that’s more than 2.26 million. 55-percent have received one dose of the COVID vaccine and 18-percent are boosted.

Edwards says we should all be concerned about the newest variant and continue to practice mitigation. The governor says he’s hoping and praying the state will not have another surge similar to the one Louisiana experienced in July and August.

Cut 8 (08) “…to use them.”

The Omicron variant is now the dominant COVID variant in South Africa, less than two weeks after it was first reported.

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It’s Cyber Monday, and Carmen Million, President of the Baton Rouge Better Business Bureau says before you click on that sale it is your responsibility to investigate that the retailer is credible, and it’s a secure site before you give them your personal information.

Cut 9 (05) “…for secure.”

She also advises that you check their reviews and their reputation with the BBB.

Million says you should always price check and compare prices from a variety of online retailers, but most importantly, especially this year with supply chain disruptions…

Cut 10 (08)  “…important thing.”

Beware of phishing scams and pop-up windows claiming bargains, Million says this is where you need to investigate a retailer. Million says how you pay for your item is another way to protect yourself from a scam.

Cut  11 (10)  “…that charge.”  

And remember to check a retailer’s return policy, they are not all the same.

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This year’s 12^th annual Small Business Saturday was a hit nationwide with spending hitting an estimated all-time high of 23.3-billion dollars. Dawn McVea, Louisiana Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says the figure includes a two percent increase in small business online shopping that increased to 58 percent.

Cut 12 (06) “…good positive trend.”  

McVea says six percent more shoppers opted Saturday to support local independent restaurants around the nation than in 2020.

McVea says a large majority of those surveyed found Small Business Saturday to be a positive event for their communities.

Cut 13 (11) “…throughout the years.”

State figures for the success of Small Business Saturday were not available.

McVea says the fact that sales went up this year for mom and pop shops during Small Business Saturday can be a precursor to an improved fourth quarter.

Cut 14 (10) “…strong holiday season.” 

The man who’ll chair the Louisiana House Transportation Committee will be dealing with those federal infrastructure dollars recently approved by Congress and the President. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The loss of smell from COVID six months or longer is becoming a growing health concern. Brooke Thorington on the dangers of this annoying side effect.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Besides the shopping and mailing, the holiday season is also bringing with it another election. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Covington State Representative Mark Wright will be chairing the Louisiana House Transportation Committee as lawmakers figure out how to best spend federal infrastructure dollars heading to the Bayou State.

Cut 4 (09) “…then it’s doubled. “

Just where all the money will go remains to be seen, since as he understands it, there are like three pots of money that will help address infrastructure needs around the state, be it roads, bridges, or even the state’s ports.

Wright says when it comes to improving the state’s roadways, much of what needs to be spent and where has already been decided, though the legislature will further review the allocations.

Cut 5 (12) “…the books already.”

Wright says in thinking of where to best spend the federal infrastructure funds, ports in the state shouldn’t be cast aside in the doling out of dollars.

Cut 6 (07) “..to focus on.”

He says in doing so it’s like building assets for the future.

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Holiday shopping is in full swing, and you’ll want to be smart about how you finance your purchases. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says if you have the option of zero-percent financing for a limited time or an immediate discount…

Cut 7 (08) “…interest traps.”

Gonzales says if you’re making a purchase on a credit card, you might want to look at benefits associated with your card, for example, price protection so you can price match a gift in the future, or purchase protection on things like electronics, which is similar to insurance.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

She also warns against using the option of deferred interest on credit cards especially if you don’t think you’ll be able to pay it off in the given time period. Gonzales says for example if you don’t pay off the credit in the allotted time…

Cut 9 (08)  “…tricky situation.”

Sometimes deferred interest can make your holiday purchases up to 27 times more expensive than you anticipated.

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The loss of smell from COVID for six months or longer is a growing public health concern. Dr. Kevin McLaughlin, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery Professor at LSU Health New Orleans says a majority of people do recover their sense of smell in a week or two.

Cut 10 (07)  “…sense of smell.”

Loss of smell is so prevalent with COVID that McLaughlin says instead of asking if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms we should be asking if you’ve noticed a change in your ability to smell as an indicator of COVID.

He says most regain a sense of smell in a week or two because the swelling has gone down. For another group, it may take three to four months, because the cells surrounding the olfactory nerves were damaged and it takes longer to recover, and then there’s a third group.

Cut  11 (13)  “…and injury.”  

Loss of smell also can impact your sense of taste which McLaughlin says is a most unfortunate result of COVID in Louisiana, especially with our amazing cuisine. And the loss of smell can also pose a danger with the inability to detect natural gas, smoke, and spoiled food.

McLaughlin says and for some, they do regain a sense of smell, but it’s altered, and instead of pleasant odors like flowers or fresh fruit…

Cut 12 (12) “…is distorted.”

McLaughlin says the best way to avoid either a temporary, possibly long-term, or even a distorted sense of smell is to get vaccinated for COVID.

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It’s early voting time in Louisiana for the December 11^th elections. One of the more noteworthy candidate races is taking place in Orleans Parish where LApolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the long-time sheriff finds himself in a battle with a progressive Democrat.

Cut 13 (07) “…battle down there.”

There are 26 parishes with only proposition questions dotting the ballot, one of the standouts asks St. Tammany voters whether they want a major casino project to move forward in Slidell. Alford says the proposition is a controversial one.

Cut 14 (08)  “…got Drew Brees.”

Brees publicly supports the proposed project because it includes a 35-million dollar youth sports complex, while law enforcement officials say the casino will just bring more crime to Slidell and St. Tammany.

In Ouachita Parish, Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown is facing a recall effort. Brown is in his second term and the mayor told the Associated Press that he believes former mayor Ed Harris is behind the recall effort.

Louisiana pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics expects turnout to be light statewide…

Cut 15 (11)  “…by the holidays.”

Early voting continues through this Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. There will be no elections in 29 parishes.

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Ed Orgeron is in Destin, Florida as his run as the head coach of the LSU Tigers ended Saturday night with a thrilling 27-24 win over Texas A-and-M. Orgeron says offensive line coach Brad Davis will serve as the interim coach…

Cut  16 (21) “…great bowl”

LSU is going to an undetermined bowl game as a result of the victory over the Aggies. The offense finally came through in a close contest as Max Johnson hit Jarray Jenkins on a 28-yard touchdown pass with 20 second left. Orgeron is proud of the offense….

Cut 17 (25) “ for him” 

It was announced on October 17th that Orgeron would not return in 2022 as LSU’s head coach. But the team kept battling despite more injuries and close losses to Alabama and Arkansas. LSU finished the regular season with wins over ULM and Texas A-and-M. Orgeron says the players have been great during this period of transition…

Cut 18 (17) “..do that”  

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Skip Holtz’s run as the head coach of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs ended on Saturday with a 35-31 loss to Rice. Holtz was the third-most winningest coach in program history with 64 victories in his nine seasons. The 57-year-old says he’s grateful for his time in Ruston, but wishes it had not come to an end…

Cut 19 (20)  “..my decision”  

Holtz took the Bulldogs to seven straight bowl games, winning six straight. He believes he brought consistency to the program…

Cut 20 (25) “.great era” 

All of us want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year, but without the proper food preparation steps, you could be setting yourself up for a foodborne illness. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Local Christmas tree farmers say this season is shaping up to be their busiest ever. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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With folks preparing to fix their Thanksgiving meals, the USDA’s Meredith Caruthers outlines some safety protocols to stick to during the process. Two of them deal with cleaning and separating.

Cut 3 (12) “…to eat food.”

She also advises to heed the cooking directions and then to properly chill any leftovers to additionally avoid the possibility of food poisoning.

The USDA’s Meredith Caruthers says two of the four steps to keeping your Thanksgiving dinner safe for consumption both before and after the meal has to do with the cooking of it and then chilling the leftovers.

Cut 4 (14) “…than two hours.”

To make sure your turkey is properly cooked, Caruthers says poke a food thermometer in three different places into the bird…

Cut 5 (15) “..ready to eat.”

The USDA notes that 48 million Americans a year get sick from foodborne illnesses leading to three thousand deaths annually.

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According to Triple-A, Thanksgiving travel is up 13-percent and law enforcement is concerned the increase in travel could lead to a large number of motor vehicle crashes. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday period nearly 800 people were injured and eight people killed in crashes in Louisiana…

 Cut 6 (07) “…these roadways” 

Last year, nearly half of the fatal crashes investigated involved impaired drivers. Brennan says Troopers have a zero-tolerance policy and those caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be arrested…

Cut 7 (09) “…out there.”  

State Police and local law enforcement will also be working to enforce the state’s seat belt laws as part of the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration’s Click It or Ticket seat belt awareness campaign…

Cut 8 (12) “..proper seat belt.”

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Christmas Tree Farmers say they’re already off to a busy start with more people decorating earlier this season. And to meet the demand Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish says for the first time they opened the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Cut 9 (09) “…trees are available.”

But if you’re dead set on a certain type of tree you might be out of luck. Kay Gersch of Yawn Station Christmas Tree Farm in Livingston Parish says Fraser Firs are hard to come by.

Cut 10 (11)  “…eight foot.”

Farmers say there are plenty of pick and cut trees from Louisiana growers even though Ida did leave her mark this summer on local growers. Gersch says some of their barns lost roofs and their trees were also impacted, a majority had to be re-supported.

Cut  11 (08)  “…a few.”  

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The state’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program is continuing to move forward with more than 13-hundred travel trailers already placed in the hardest-hit parishes for those affected by the storm.

Cut 12 (05) “…families leased in.”  

That’s GOHSEP acting director, Casey Tingle, who says the state purchased nearly 21-hundred of the trailers under the program announced by Governor Edwards in early October to serve as a bridge to help displaced families until FEMA’s Direct Housing mission gets up and running.

Tingle says the current pace of the trailers being newly occupied is about 40 a day.

Cut 13 (07) “….into their units”

Tingle on how many families may get access to these trailers by next month, just over three months after Ida made landfall.

Cut 14 (09) “…to do that.” 

The Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program offers temporary, non-congregate sheltering. Meaning that survivors of the storm have a living space until other temporary permanent housing options become available to them.

In an effort to reduce gasoline prices President Biden orders 50 million barrels to be released from the strategic reserve. Brooke Thorington has more from an energy expert who says it’s too little, too late.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The cruise business is ramping back up in New Orleans as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ease. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to reduce energy costs. LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says the move is a classic example of do-nothing politics.

Cut 3 (11) “…past January.”

If you’re hoping this means you’ll save at the pump for Thanksgiving, no such luck. The barrels of oil to be released will not hit the market until mid to late December. Dismukes estimates that prices, which are already trending down, towards the end of the year will correct as demand also decreases.

Cut 4 (08) “…administration’s part.”

In addition to supply versus demand driving up prices, Dismukes says it’s not a favorable market to invest in petroleum because of clean energy policies enacted by the Biden administration, for example, the moratorium on new oil and gas leases, which was eventually overturned.

Cut 5 (08) “…energy prices.”

In addition to gasoline, Dismukes warns proposed Biden energy policies aimed at taxing the industry will continue to drive up energy costs and consumers should expect higher natural gas prices to heat their homes this winter.

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wane, the cruise business is picking back up in places like New Orleans. Jessica Ragusa, communications director with the Port of New Orleans, says next year should be a record year for cruising out of the Big Easy.

 Cut 6 (07) “…ever had there.” 

By comparison, there were 251 cruises out of New Orleans, involving both ocean-going vessels and river cruises. The comeback began with the arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway last Sunday, a noteworthy milestone after cruises completely stopped in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

Ragusa says efforts are in place to ensure the safety of passengers against the spread of the coronavirus as they cruise in and out of the Port of New Orleans.

Cut 7 (07) “….everything like that.”  

Ragusa says cruises into and out of New Orleans provide a significant economic impact to the city, regional and state economy.

Cut 8 (05) “..passengers are spending.”

She says that includes 300-thousand hotel room nights alone over a year’s time in New Orleans, with most guests traveling into the city from out of state.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is proposing to add COVID-19 vaccines to the list of required shots for some students. It’s a move Governor John Bel Edwards supports.

Cut 9 (08) “…the covid vaccines.”

It’s said that parents could opt-out of the requirement for their child by simply signing a statement of exemption.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is clearly opposed to the COVID-19 mandate for students.

Cut 10 (08)  “…abuse and bullying.”

Governor Edwards outlines what the COVID-19 vaccine mandate means.

Cut  11 (09)  “…16 and above.”  

The proposal will be reviewed by the state’s Health and Welfare Committee before a decision is made to move forward with it. A date for the committee meeting has not been set.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is accusing Governor Edwards of overreach by supporting a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for kids 16 and older.

Cut 12 (09) “…parents, not bureaucrats.”  

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A three-vehicle crash along Highway 1 in Avoyelles Parish that claimed the life of an eight-year-old remains under investigation. Trooper Casey Wallace says it happen just before 8 am Monday when a car signaled to turn left into a private drive north of Fifth Ward and was struck from behind by a commercial vehicle.

Cut 13 (09) “….exact road”

Four people were in the car that was hit, an adult female driver, and three juveniles. All sustained moderate injuries with the exception of the eight-year-old that was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver is the mother of the child that was killed.

Wallace says they keep seeing more and more crashes that involve distracted drivers.

Cut 14 (06) “…right now” 

He says no charges have been filed yet and toxicology reports of all drivers are pending.

Motorists have something to be thankful for, gas prices going down, ever so slightly with the average for regular gas $3.09 a gallon. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Seven people lost their lives in two fatal crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes involving suspected drunk drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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There’s something to be thankful for at the pump this week. Gas Buddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price for regular gas in Louisiana is down a penny and half with the statewide average at $3.09 a gallon, down four cents from last month. He says it has to do with the price of oil which was $85 a barrel.

Cut 3 (10) “…ahead of Thanksgiving.”

DeHaan says the Department of Interior issuing new leases on federal land is part of the reason for the drop in prices and less demand in Europe as some countries are facing lockdowns again as COVID cases increase.

Cut 4 (11) “…of oil.”

Compared to 2020, prices are much higher, up a $1.28 a gallon, but so is demand, DeHaan says more people are traveling this year as COVID cases are down in the U-S this Thanksgiving and they are traveling farther. If you are driving out of state DeHaan says, be prepared for even more sticker shock since Louisiana is typically lower than the national average.

Cut 5 (05) “….higher prices.”

The national average for regular gas is $3.41 a gallon.

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Nicholls State University is mourning the death of three students who were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish involving a suspected drunk driver just after midnight on Saturday. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (Clay-monh) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…

 Cut 6 (11) “…that crash.” 

The three victims are from Luling (Loo-ling) and they’ve been identified as 19-year-old Lily Dufrene and 18-year-olds Hali Coss and Michaila Bowling. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the families cover the funeral expenses.

Brennan says Clement displayed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI fourth offense…

Cut 7 (11) “….Lafourche Parish jail”  

Brennan says State Police is also investigating another fatal crash that occurred Friday night in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

The three other people killed in this wreck have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

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Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a 125-million-dollar I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge. The ribbon-cutting involved the replacement of more than seven miles of pavement.

Cut 9 (12) “…westbound traffic.”

Since Edwards took office in 2016, just shy of one billion dollars has been spent on I-10 projects statewide.

The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public.

Cut 10 (09)  “…to travel here.”

Edwards says the continuing improvements to I-10 is a plus to business and ease the commute times for everyone else.

Cut  11 (09)  “…and go traffic.”  

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Sports reporter Glen Guilbeau with Outkick-dot-com reports Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda, Louisiana’s Billy Napier and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell are the three finalists to replace Ed Orgeron as LSU’s head coach. Guilbeau says Aranda, who spent four years as LSU’s defensive coordinator, is the front-runner…

Cut 12 (12) “…Woodward wants.”  

The 45-year-old Aranda is in his second season as head coach of the Bears and has them in contention for a Big 12 championship with a nine and two record. He left LSU after helping the Tigers win the national championship in 2019 and Guilbeau says he’s well thought of in Baton Rouge…

Cut 13 (08) “….qualified”

Guilbeau says Napier is also high on LSU’s head coaching list as he’s led the Cajuns to four straight Sun Belt West Division titles. But he says Florida, who just fired head coach Dan Mullen, is also very interested in Napier…

Cut 14 (12) “…is wrong” 

He says Matt Campbell from Iowa State is also in the mix. Guilbeau’s sources tell him LSU could make a hire at the end of this week or early next week.

Thanksgiving arrives Thursday, and while what goes into making the meal for the day may cost a bit, Louisiana residents are paying less than the national average. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The state receives a $1.5 million grant to address human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of House Education. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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As Louisianans sit down for a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, know that the price tag for the meal is lower than the national average. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau and spokesman Avery Davidson on the costs of a dinner to feed ten people.

Cut 4 (10) “…average of $68.72. “

Davidson says compared to 2019, a Thanksgiving meal in the Bayou State this year costs about five dollars more, no thanks to inflation and the nearly two-year-old global COVID pandemic.

Davidson says regardless of the price, the main staples for a Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. and Louisiana are also among the cheapest worldwide.

Cut 5 (10) “…thank for that.”

A lot of folks can’t bypass having sweet potato-something on the Thanksgiving dinner table and Davidson says even those veggies cost less in Louisiana than the national average.

Cut 6 (07) “..the national average.”

He says you can even pay less by buying directly from a grower of sweet potatoes.

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As we move into the holiday season Governor Edwards continues to encourage COVID vaccinations and for those who already are, he’s also touting booster shots. Edwards says last year’s holiday gatherings brought about a surge in cases.

Cut 7 (12) “…it is to do it.”

Booster shots are now available for anyone 18 and older already fully vaccinated for COVID more than 6 months since their last dose, or two months since the single Johnson and Johnson dose. Edwards says it’s important to boost your immunity to protect those who are more susceptible.

Cut 8 (07) “…to disease.”

Vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine, so Edwards says it’s best to add a booster.

Cut 9 (07)  “…as well.”

It has also been approved to mix and match doses if needed for example if your first two doses were Pfizer it’s ok to receive a Moderna booster.

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The newly established Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention receives a $1.5 million federal grant to improve outcomes for young victims of the crime. Executive Director of the office Dr. Dana Hunter says they will continue to work with key experts in the community and come together to combat human trafficking.

Cut 10 (07)  “…and recovery.”

Louisiana is one of two states selected for the 2021 grant and two years ago received a $1.2 million award. Hunter says the multi-year grant will fund the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative and Accessibility Initiative.

Cut 11 (11) “…care coordination.”

In addition to providing protection for victims, Hunter says the office will also use the grant to fund prosecution, build partnerships, and the prevention of trafficking. For example, educate more law enforcement, especially in rural areas to recognize the crime.

Noting that the I-20 I-10 corridor does increase the ability for out-of-state victims to easily enter Louisiana, Hunter says however the majority of child trafficking victims are homebred, meaning they are groomed and lured into the crime locally.

Hunter says that Louisiana has some of the toughest laws to combat human trafficking, but her office wants to revisit those laws and also educate municipalities and law enforcement about them.

Cut 12 (09) “…enacted.”

To report a crime of human trafficking you can call the Louisiana State Police Fusion hotline at 1-800-434-8007 or local law enforcement.

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Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. Harris has been in the Legislature since 2012 and has served on key committees like Appropriations, Retirement, and the Joint Budget Committee. He says he looks forward to the challenges of chairing Education…:

Cut 13 (14) “…where we are going.”

Harris says he’ll “hit the ground running” as Education Committee Chairman…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…state education system.”

One big education issue Mr. Harris says he is ready to tackle is whether or not Louisiana schools should teach Critical Race Theory…:

Cut 15 (12)  “…decisions on it.”

Harris feels the delicate matter can be debated professionally and calmly. He starts as Education Committee Chair right away.

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The Saints gave up 242 rushing yards and turned it over three times as they lost their third straight yesterday as Philadelphia pounded the Black and Gold 40-29. New Orleans Coach Sean Payton says they didn’t do the things needed in order to win in the NFL…

Cut  16 (15) “..better job”

Saints Quarterback Trevor Siemien was intercepted twice. Darius Slay returned one of the interceptions 51 yards for a touchdown right before halftime to give the Eagles a 20-point lead. Siemien says they made too many mistakes…

Cut 17 (17) “ so small” 

Siemian and the Saints were missing four-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara and starting tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk are also hurt and missed the game. During the game, tight end Adam Trautman went down with a left leg injury. New Orleans doesn’t have much time to heal as they host the Bills on Thanksgiving night. Siemian says they have to rebound…

Cut 18 (18) “..for sure”  

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The LSU Tigers ended their three-game losing streak with a 24-14 win over ULM. Quarterback Max Johnson returned as the starting quarterback and threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense still had trouble putting points on the board. Coach Ed Orgeron admits it was not a pretty win…

Cut 19 (19)  ” heck of a game” 

It’s the third straight game the defense held an opponent to fewer than 21 points. The regular season ends Saturday at home against Texas A-and-M. A win for the Tigers will make them bowl eligible, but Oregeron says that will not be the main motivation…

Cut 20 (10) “.motivating factor” 

The Louisiana Supreme Court will be the next stop for two combined cases challenging Ochsner Health’s mandate that all its workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.  More from Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an overnight delay on the vote. Brooke Thorington has more on the $1.75 trillion bill to support working families.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Governor Edwards told U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Edwards says they are anxious for the feds to issue rules on how the grant dollars can be used.

Cut 3 (13) “…we get started.”

Edwards much of the money will go to storm victims who need help to rebuild their homes and businesses. He says 90-million dollars of this allocation is also required to pay efforts…

Cut 4 (06) “…as well.”

Edwards was in Washington D-C earlier this week seeking additional money for southwest Louisiana because the 595-million is not enough. He believes the trip will help pay dividends…

Cut 5 (06) “.through Congress.”

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The legal tussle over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says in this case that the justices will consider…

 Cut 6 (10) “…them very quickly.” 

A hearing on the matter is set for December 7^th.

Ciolino expressed surprise when the state’s 2^nd Court of Appeals sided with Shreveport Ochsner employees opposed to the vaccine mandate, blocking it last month.

Cut 7 (11) “….and can’t do.”  

Ciolino predicts that Ochsner Health will emerge victorious in the state Supreme Court case given that Louisiana is an “at will” state when it comes to employment.

Cut 8 (07) “…private employer mandate.”

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an hours-long speech overnight delayed the vote. The $1.75 trillion bill will assist working families with childcare for about 300,000 young children, provide universal pre-school and Pell Grant awards.

Congressman Troy Carter says it’s so important to educate children even before kindergarten during their formative years

Cut 9 (10) “…their education.”

Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says Congress needs to stop spending in this economy.

Cut 10 (10)  “…back on track.”

Carter says he respectively disagrees the bill will discourage citizens from re-entering the workforce, he says by assisting with childcare more parents will be able to return to work.

Cut  11 (10)  “…my party.”  

Waguespack says instead of helping the economy, which is at its highest in over 30 years, the BBB will do the opposite.

Cut 12 (07) “…right now.”  

The bill now heads to the Senate.

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Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school.

Cut 13 (12) “…boards and educators.”

Letlow says education is not a job parents or schools can do by themselves, and notes that many schools in the nation and in Louisiana are already practicing what’s in her bill.

Letlow says the legislation would also bring more transparency to a school’s budget and spending.

Cut 14 (11) “…activity at school.” 

Letlow speaks about the reason she finds this legislation important to the educational process.

Cut 15 (09) “…should have input.” 

New Orleans hosted the first offshore oil and gas lease sale in 2021 today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A 17-year-old convicted and sentenced to life without parole for killing an East Baton Rouge deputy is getting out of jail after nearly 58 years in prison. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (38)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held the first Gulf oil and lease sale of 2021 in New Orleans today. President Biden placed a moratorium on new oil and gas development on federal land and waters, but a 13-state lawsuit led by Attorney General Jeff Landry resulted in a nationwide injunction against the executive order

Cut 3 (10) “….lease sales.”

Landry says today’s sale is a win for the hundreds of millions of Americans who rely on affordable and dependable energy…

Cut 4 (12) “…the most.”

Landry says today’s lease sale is welcome news but he’s still looking for the Biden Administration to take public action on developing the five-year lease program and without that plan, energy prices will continue to increase…

Cut 5 (12) “..the supply.”

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Drivers in Louisiana won’t be getting a break anytime soon on the cost of getting from here to there. Tim Waldenback, co-founder of Zutobi, an online driver’s education platform, says in a report just issued that insurance premiums will help keep the state as the most expensive in the nation to operate a vehicle in 2031.

 cut 6 (09) “…years as well.” 

Fuel prices will also keep the Bayou State as one of the most expensive for travel by motor vehicle.

Waldenback says he sees no indication that fuel costs will reverse course significantly over the next decade, keeping the state on track for wallet-draining prices at the pump, more so than any other state in the U.S.

Cut 7 (09) “….in 2031.”  

Insurance rates are expected to average close to 33-hundred dollars a year by 2031, with the overall annual costs to own and operate a vehicle in Louisiana to just over 71-hundred dollars a year, a more than 800 dollar increase compared to now.

The report put out by Zutobi is based mostly on the use of combustion engine vehicles, which Waldenback says may change as more and more electric vehicles hit the road.

Cut 8 (09) “…a large role.”

He says it currently costs nearly 63-hundred dollars a year to own and operate a vehicle in Louisiana, or about 800-less than the projected costs for 2031.

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A 75-year-old Louisiana man who has spent about 58 years of his life in prison for the shooting death of an East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy when he was 17 was granted parole today by the Louisiana Parole Board.  Kerry Myers, Deputy Director of the Louisiana Parole Project, says the release of Henry Montgomery, follows a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentencing without parole for juveniles was cruel and unusual punishment…

Cut 9 (08) “…of his life.”

Montgomery had originally been sentenced to death for the murder of Deputy Charles Hurt.

Myers says Montgomery’s case opened the door for many other such cases involving juveniles to be reviewed.

Cut 10 (09)  “…an automatic release.”

The Louisiana Parole Board had reviewed Montgomery’s parole request two times previously before granting it today.

Myers says the paroling of Montgomery is similar to thousands that have occurred nationwide and dozens in Louisiana.

Cut  11 (09)  “…of that change.”  

Montgomery’s death sentence for killing Deputy Charles Hunt was tossed on fair trial challenges, his retrial ending in a sentence of life without parole that was eventually deemed cruel and unusual punishment because he was 17.

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A cold front will be crossing into the state tonight and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the chances of scattered showers will persist today and tomorrow.

Cut 12 (08) “…artic air.”  

Keim says expect highs Thursday in the 60s in northern parishes and in the 70s in the southern parishes. He says the cold air will continue to barrel into the state and as for Friday, you might want to have a jacket handy.

Cut 13 (09) “…coastline.”

As for Friday afternoon and evening, Keim says we should have ideal weather for playoff games but don’t worry it will warm up again as we continue this oscillating pattern of mild and cold temps.

Cut 14 (05) “…cool air.” 

The leader of the Louisiana House is expressing disappointment at the failure of Constitutional Amendment 1 on Saturday.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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A task force established to come up with solutions to Louisiana having the highest auto insurance rates in the country finds that rates are on the rise again. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is reacting to the voter rejection of Amendment 1 on Saturday that would have set the wheels in motion for the state to have a centralized tax collection system.

Cut 3 (09) “….it go down.”

The state currently has 54 tax collection entities making it complex for businesses and individuals to maneuver through and is seen as unconstitutional by experts following a Supreme Court ruling in 2018.

Schexnayder was pleased to see Amendment 2 that favorably addresses lowering state income taxes pass, but believes Amendment 1 would have been a plus for the state too.

Cut 4 (11) “…into our state.”

A federal lawsuit was filed Monday against the state’s complex system of tax collections.

Schexnayder says he doesn’t believe state lawmakers are about to throw in the towel on having Louisiana adopt a single tax commission, rather than the flurry of ones dotting the state now.

Cut 5 (05) “…through this time.”

The legislature could take another run at the issue when it meets in the spring.

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In 2020, when lawmakers approved legislation that changed how the courts would handle lawsuits involving car accidents, supporters said it would lead to lower auto insurance rates. But Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said during a task force meeting on Affordable Automobile Insurance that rates are actually going up

 cut 6 (06) “…through october” 

The 2020 tort reform legislation will lead to more jury trials, resulting in lower damages paid out to plaintiffs and the measure also caps certain medical expenses. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the law went into effect this year and it has to have an impact on rates

Cut 7 (08) “….later on.”  

Donelon says auto insurance rates stayed relatively flat from 2018 to 2020, but they are on the rise this year and an increase in traffic fatalities over last year is a potential cause…

Cut 8 (10) “…distracted driving.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry has filed another suit against the Biden Administration, concerning vaccine mandates. Now he’s challenging the legality of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, mandating all employees be vaccinated at facilities that receive CMS funding.

Cut 9 (09) “…CMS bucket.”

The mandate requires full-time and part-time employees, along with volunteers and contract employees at healthcare facilities that receive CMS funding be vaccinated, otherwise that funding could be withheld.

The Attorney General’s office which also investigates Medicaid fraud in the state, Landry says the CMS vaccine mandate hits too close to home for his office.

Cut 10 (07)  “…be vaccinated.”

Landry says the mandate is unconstitutional and could impact the state’s budget if federal monies are withheld from agencies that do not follow the vaccine mandate. He says this will also create healthcare employee shortages.

Cut  11 (11)  “…want to do.”  

Landry joins colleagues from 10 other states in filing the lawsuit against the CMS vaccine mandate.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is lauding the signing of the trillion-dollar-plus infrastructure bill by President Biden on Monday.

Cut 12 (11) “…improve internet access.”  

Cassidy says when he ran for office he said he would work to find real solutions to problems facing our families and he says the infrastructure bill will deliver to improve the lives of people in Louisiana.

Senator Cassidy says he would have preferred a Republican been tapped to oversee the administration of the infrastructure bill, but he spoke positively today about the naming of Mitch Landrieu for the post.

Cut 13 (11) “…can only help.”

The one-point-two-trillion-dollar bill was signed into law Monday by President Biden and will funnel funds to help improve the nation’s roads and bridges and other infrastructure needs.

The dramatic increase in gasoline prices is drawing the ire of Senator Bill Cassidy who points the finger of blame at the Biden administration for not putting Americans back to work in our American energy sector, instead turning to OPEC for help.

Cut 14 (05) “..increase their production.” 

Cassidy says he doesn’t see policies coming from the White House to address the high price of gasoline that’s climbed from a dollar-85 last year to three-15 now, as well as what are expected to be significantly higher home heating costs this winter.